Intact Fish Skin Grafting in a Patient With Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Abstract

Wound management in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) patients is often challenging due to worsening infections and impaired circulation, which can lead to prolonged hospitalization and poorer quality of life. Traditionally, autografting—a leading option in skin grafting—exhibits risks, including donor site morbidity. However, xenograft products, such as Kerecis^TM, derived from North Atlantic Cod fish, offer a novel solution for conditions with chronic wounds by promoting natural tissue regeneration. This case report presents a 35-year-old woman with HS who presented with persistent abscesses and fistulas in bilateral axillary regions. Following multiple surgical incisions and drainage procedures, the patient was treated with intact fish skin grafting, which resulted in significant granulation tissue deposition and wound edge approximation. The successful outcome in this case suggests that intact fish skin grafting is a viable option for non-healing wounds, particularly HS wounds, and can be integrated into surgical and wound care practices.